Odisha Channel Bureau
Malkangiri: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated the much-awaited Gurupriya bridge which connected 151 villages in the cut-off area across the Balimela reservoir with the mainland Odisha.
The eight gram panchayats that remained cut-off for about five decades lost the cut-off area tag when vehicles were allowed to ply on the bridge carrying men and materials to the interior villages.

“#GurupriyaSetu signifies a resurgent #Odisha, will transform lives in 151 villages that were cut-off for 5 decades. It is not just a bridge, it will be the identity & Swabhiman of #Malkangiri. I dedicate this special project to people of #Odisha & India,” Patnaik tweeted.

“At the core of development is connectivity. #GurupriyaSetu is a national pride & symbolises peace, cooperation & progress. It is a testimony to our commitment to integrate all parts of #Odisha to mainland & thereby to prosperity. It is our dream come true,” said Patnaik in another tweet.

“My homage to those martyred for the bridge. Peace is of utmost importance for progress. #GurupriyaSetu is a harbinger of peace. I appeal left wing extremists in the region to forsake violence and embrace progress that the bridge brings to the region.”

“Built in record time of 4 years overcoming several odds & obstacles #PragatiraSetuGurupriya reflects #Odisha’s steely resolve. The term cut-off is history from this historic day. With renewed esteem, they will now be Swabhiman Areas. Bande Utkala Janani,” he added in yet another tweet.

Such was the response from the social media users to the inauguration of the bridge that #PragatiraSetuGurupriya soon started trending on Twitter.
Patnaik also announced a Rs. 100 crore special package for the development of Malkangiri district.

Highlights of the special package for Malkangiri:

1: Fishery – Over 5 crore fish seedlings will be released into the sprawling Chitrakonda water reservoir. This will help in the development of livelihood of at least 2000 fishermen families.

2: Road Connectivity – For the development of connectivity, two road projects will be taken up. The two roads will be constructed from Mukiput to Jamuguda and Panasput to Jodaamba. Thus, road connectivity will be improved in Panasput and Jodaamba Gram Panchayats (GPs).

3: Electrification – A 33/11 KV sub-station will be set up at Badapada. This will improve rural electrification facility in the ‘Swabhiman Areas’.

4: Drinking Water Supply – 4 pipe water supply projects will be built in Badapada and Papermetala Gram Panchayats (GPs) while 100 tube-wells will also be installed.

5: Healthcare Facility – Health Sub-Centres will set up at the necessary pockets in the 6 GPs of the ‘Swabhiman Areas’ to enhance healthcare facility for the rural populace here.

6: Bridges – A bridge will be built in Manyamkonda. This will enable the tribals to celebrate their biennial “Badajatra” smoothly. Besides, big bridges will be built at the eligible spots in Poteru, Pongam, Kangurukonda, MV-90, Undurukonda and MV-37.